The contract management process follows selection of the successful bidder to the end of the project/service life and in almost all instances includes succession planning.
A contract management team should be established prior to the execution of the final contractual arrangement. This team will initially be composed of members from the procurement team to enable the continuation of working relationships with the private sector and maintain project direction. The composition of the contract management team will change to reflect the movement of the project through its life cycle. It is important to have members with the appropriate expertise at the different phases of the life cycle of the contract.
As with any contractual arrangement, the proponent should ensure that appropriate mechanisms for dispute-resolution procedures are negotiated and incorporated in the contract documentation. These mechanisms (ranging from cash penalties to the repatriation of services) should be activated with the aim of resolving a dispute at the earliest stage possible, minimizing service disruption and avoiding litigation. Utilization of alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms is also encouraged and should be incorporated in contract documentation.